In Detroit, Anthony Fenech notes Ilitch Holdings President & CEO Chris Ilitch has "made a good impression" on MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. Manfred said of Ilitch, who owns the Tigers, "One of the most exciting additions to our ownership group in recent years has been Chris Ilitch's involvement. ... I think Chris Ilitch is going to be a member of our little fraternity for a long time" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 8/23).
FREE FAMILY FUN: In Philadelphia, Sam Carchidi noted the Islanders-Flyers rookie game Sept. 13 at the Wells Fargo Center is "free and open to the public." However, a ticket is "required for admission" to the 7:00pm ET game. Flyers President Paul Holmgren said that it was a "great opportunity 'to give our fans a chance to see some potential future Flyers in action.'" Carchidi noted this is the "second time the Flyers have held a rookie game at their home arena." Six years ago, the Flyers edged the Capitals "before more than 10,000 fans" (PHILLY.com, 8/22).
WINNERS ONLY: In Boston, Dan Shaughnessy writes Patriots Owner Robert Kraft "supports a president who promotes a narrative that flies in the face of the life's work of the late, great Myra Kraft." Kraft also "supports a commissioner who spanked the Patriots and their fans in Deflategate." Shaughnessy: "Kraft has been a great owner for New England, but his ability to compromise for the greater good renders many of his statements laughable" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/23).
CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION: In Chicago, Orrin Schwarz noted the Fire will "receive a birthday party" thrown by Section 8 Chicago, the Fire's Independent Supporters Association, during the club's regular season. The 20th anniversary party will take place Oct. 8 at the Chicago Cultural Center. The date "wasn't picked at random." It was the date in '97 that then-GM Peter Wilt announced the "name of the new club." Fire GM Nelson Rodriguez: "It's something, quite frankly, that I think the club should be more involved in. ... But we're respecting the supporters' wishes in this instance. If they want help or need help or we can do anything for them, I hope they would ask" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 8/22).
